Putin opens talks with King Salman at the Kremlin

Putin in televised remarks hailed the king's visit as a "landmark" event.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on Thursday opened talks in the first official visit of a Saudi monarch to Russia that's expected to focus on oil and the war in Syria.
At the Kremlin's opulent St. Andrew's Hall, Putin in televised remarks hailed the King's visit as a "landmark" event. King Salman in his reply called Russia a "friendly nation" and said his country is committed to strengthen ties "in the interests of peace and security."
The two major oil-producing nations found common ground on energy policy in November, when they led a deal between OPEC and non-OPEC states to cut production in a bid to shore up crude prices. So far that deal is holding.
Saudi Arabia's top energy officials are expected to take part in the talks, and the chief executive of oil giant Saudi Aramco is also visiting Moscow this week.
Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak told Russian news agencies earlier Friday that non-OPEC states would be willing to extend the output cut "if necessary."
Russia and Saudi Arabia are expected to announce large investments and joint ventures to further cement relations. Trade volume between the two countries reached $2.8 billion last year, according to official Saudi press.
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, the kingdom's sovereign wealth fund, announced in 2015 plans to invest $10 billion in Russia over the next five years, though only a fraction of that has so far been put up.
The Saudis have also been eyeing Russian nuclear power technologies and appear ready to expand food imports from Russia, which is set to remain the world's biggest wheat exporter this year. Food security is a major concern for Saudi Arabia, which stopped local production of livestock feed and wheat due to water scarcity.
Analysts say /king Salman's trip to Moscow is the clearest sign yet that Russia's strategy in the Middle East, including its high-risk show of military power in Syria, has paid off.
King Salman's visit caps off a number of visits to Russia over the past two years by Gulf royals, including by his heir and son.

• Saudi Arabia